Update - Deal made! 2012 SJ Comp Carbon 29er HT.

I've decided that it's time to upgrade my 27 year old CroMo SJ (go ahead and laugh...that bike and I have been around the country and back!)

Anyway, I've run across a 2012 SJ Comp Carbon that a guy is selling for $1,900. He says that he just didn't get into off-road riding like he thought and now wants a road bike.
He's had it for less than six months and says it has about 55 miles on it. From the pictures, I'd say it's accurate.

Does this appear to be the deal I think it is?

I've never owned a carbon mtb and hadn't really considered it until now. Is there anything in particular that I need to be aware of in terms of the carbon frame (i.e. things to look for)?

I've read several topics in this forum where guys have said that they were looking at 2012 models but were glad they went with 2013. Is the equipment on the new models substantially better than last years?

If I get positive feedback on this bike I'm going to make a short road trip and check it out in person.

Here's the old work horse:

Attached Thumbnails

Last edited by TeamWahoo; 12-09-2012 at 05:53 PM.
Reason: Updated the title.

To answer your other questions, the 2012 has a 'Dual Air' Reba fork, and the 2013 has 'Solo Air'. I myself prefer the Dual Air because you can infinitely and independently adjust your positive and negative spring pressures. With Solo Air you can't. It is advertised that it does it for you. I don't know what I think about that. Anyway, plus one for the 2012 in this regard.

The 2013's moved away from Avid brakes to Magura's. I've never used Magura's myself, but folks really seem to like them. The Avid Elixir 7's that come on the 2012 seem to be working fine (my wife has the aluminum Comp model of the same bike and they haven't given any issues).

As ambassador said, the bike seems like a pretty good deal if it is legit, just make sure it isn't stolen etc. I think that bike was $2900 new.

Oh, if you do get it, re-route the front brake line to the 'inside' of the fork leg.

Good luck, and enjoy it.

**edit...it looks as if the rear brake line could use a shortening too.

Thanks guys, for responding. That's the kind of feedback that I was looking for! I believe that this is a legit deal. I'll report back tomorrow. A Large quantity of beer (Hofbrau) has affected my typing, so if this doesn't make sense, I apologize! Dang, I'm surprised I could type that...it took 15 minutes!

Also, I'm concerned about the size. My current ride is a 19.5. It has always felt a little short. I'm 5' 11" with a 34.5" inseam. The bike I'm looking at is a Large (19"). I don't know how that compares to the "classic" size that I'm familiar with. (my bike is 27 years old)

Also, I'm concerned about the size. My current ride is a 19.5. It has always felt a little short. I'm 5' 11" with a 34.5" inseam. The bike I'm looking at is a Large (19"). I don't know how that compares to the "classic" size that I'm familiar with. (my bike is 27 years old)

You should be fine. The effective TT on that bike is about 24,2 inches I think. At 5'11" you should be pretty good. I think you might even at first feel that it is a little longer than what you're used to, but in the long run, I think you'll be just right.